Imaging device, manufacturing device, and manufacturing method

ABSTRACT

The present technology relates to an imaging device, a manufacturing device, and a manufacturing method that enable a reliable manufacturing device to be manufactured without an increase in the number of manufacturing steps. A substrate on which an image sensor is mounted, a frame that fixes an infrared cut filter (IRCF), and a unit including a lens are included. The image sensor is sealed by the substrate, the IRCF, and the frame. A vent connected to a space in which the image sensor is sealed is provided in a part of the frame. The vent is blocked by a member that bonds the unit and the frame together. The vent is provided in the frame, in a predetermined shape, and in a vertical direction with respect to a surface to which the member is applied. The present technology can be applied to the imaging device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/323,941, filed Jan. 4, 2017, which is a national stage applicationunder 35 U.S.C. 371 and claims the benefit of PCT Application No.PCT/JP2015/068963 having an international filing date 1 Jul. 2015, whichdesignated the United States, which PCT application claimed the benefitof Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-143852 filed 14 Jul. 2014, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to an imaging device, a manufacturingdevice, and a manufacturing method. More specifically, the presenttechnology relates to the imaging device, the manufacturing device, andthe manufacturing method for sealing a vent that is required formanufacture and making a closed state.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, a digital camera has been reduced in size, and a mobilephone having a function of the digital camera has been widely used.Accordingly, an imaging device is also required to be reduced in size,and a further improvement in quality is also required. Patent Document 1discloses that when an imaging device is manufactured, a vent forreleasing thermally expanded air is provided, and the vent is blockedafter the thermally expanded air is released in order to prevent dust orthe like from entering through the vent.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-335507

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In manufacturing steps for an imaging device, a vent that connects aspace including an image sensor to the outside of the space is provided,whereby thermally expanded air in the space can be released. However,the vent is kept open, dust or the like is likely to enter the spacethrough the vent and, for example, stick onto the image sensor. In thisregard, blocking the vent has been proposed in Patent Document 1.

In Patent Document 1, an adhesive is dripped into the vent, whereby thevent is blocked. Therefore, a step for blocking the vent is requiredindependently of other steps. Even though the vent is provided duringthe manufacturing steps for the imaging device, the vent is required tobe capable of being blocked without an increase in the number ofmanufacturing steps for the imaging device.

The present technology has been made in consideration of thesecircumstances, and an object thereof is to enable a vent to be blockedwithout an increase in the number of manufacturing steps for an imagingdevice.

Solutions to Problems

A first imaging device according to an aspect of the present technologyincludes: a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted; a frame thatfixes an infrared cut filter (IRCF); and a unit including a lens, theimage sensor is sealed by the substrate, the IRCF, and the frame, a ventconnected to a space in which the image sensor is sealed is provided ina part of the frame, and the vent is blocked by a member that bonds theunit and the frame together.

The vent can be provided in the frame, in a predetermined shape, and ina vertical direction with respect to a surface to which the member isapplied.

The vent can have a tapered shape.

The unit can have a leg that is inserted into the member, and the ventcan be provided on the frame corresponding to a position right under theleg.

The member can be annularly applied onto the frame, and the vent can beprovided on the frame corresponding to a bent portion or a straightportion of the member.

The frame can have a light shielding wall in the vicinity of a positionof the vent.

The member can be a light shielding resin.

The leg can be inserted halfway into the vent.

A portion of the frame at which the vent is located can be configured tohave a projecting shape so as to come closer to the unit than a portionat which the vent is not located does.

A portion of the leg that is inserted into the member at which the vent,is located can have a rib, and the unit can be bonded to the frame in anabutting manner such that the rib is inserted into the vent.

A central axis of the leg and a central axis of the vent can bedisplaced from each other.

The member can include an ultraviolet curable resin or a resin that iscured by ultraviolet rays and heat.

The vent can have a diameter of 0.2 mm or less.

The vent can be blocked by the leg.

A second imaging device according to an aspect of the present technologyincludes: a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted; a frame thatfixes an infrared cut filter (IRCF); and a unit including a lens, theimage sensor is sealed by the substrate, the IRCF, and the frame, a ventconnected to a space in which the image sensor is sealed is providedbetween the frame and the IRCF, and the vent is blocked by a member thatbonds the unit and the frame together.

The IRCF can be configured to be large in a direction toward a positionof the vent.

The member at a portion where the vent exists can be applied more thanthe member at a portion where the vent does not exist.

A first manufacturing device according to an aspect of the presenttechnology manufactures an imaging device including: a substrate onwhich an image sensor is mounted; a frame that fixes an infrared cutfilter (IRCF); and a unit bonded to the frame and including a lens, theimage sensor is sealed by the substrate, the IRCF, and the frame, a ventconnected to a space in which the image sensor is sealed is provided ina part of the frame, and the vent is blocked by a member that bonds theunit and the frame together.

A second manufacturing device according to an aspect of the presenttechnology is configured to, when a substrate on which an image sensoris mounted, a frame to which an infrared cut, filter (IRCF) is fixed,and a unit including a lens are bonded together: apply, onto thesubstrate, a first member for bonding the frame; bond the frame to thesubstrate using the first member applied onto the substrate; afterthermally expanded air is discharged through a vent having apredetermined shape and provided in the frame, apply a second member toa portion including the vent; and bond the frame and the unit togethersuch that the portion to which the second member has been applied and apart of the unit are bonded together in an abutting manner or spatially.

A manufacturing method according to an aspect of the present technologyincludes the steps of, when a substrate on which an image sensor ismounted, a frame to which an infrared cut filter (IRCF) is fixed, and aunit including a lens are bonded together: applying, onto the substrate,a first member for bonding the frame; bonding the frame to the substrateusing the first member applied onto the substrate; after thermallyexpanded air is discharged through a vent having a predetermined shapeand provided in the frame, applying a second member to a portionincluding the vent; and bonding the frame and the unit together suchthat the portion to which the second member has been applied and a partof the unit are bonded together in an abutting manner or spatially.

In the first imaging device according to an aspect of the presenttechnology, the substrate on which the image sensor is mounted, theframe that fixes the infrared cut filter (IRCF), and the unit includingthe lens are included. In addition, the image sensor is sealed by thesubstrate, the IRCF, and the frame, the vent connected to the space inwhich the image sensor is sealed is provided in a part of the frame, andthe vent is blocked by the member that bonds the unit and the frametogether.

In the second imaging device according to an aspect of the presenttechnology, the substrate on which the image sensor is mounted, theframe that fixes the infrared cut filter (IRCF), and the unit includingthe lens are included. In addition, the image sensor is sealed by thesubstrate, the IRCF, and the frame, the vent connected to the space inwhich the image sensor is sealed is provided between the frame and theIRCF, and the vent is blocked by the member that bonds the unit and theframe together.

In the first manufacturing device and the manufacturing method accordingto an aspect of the present technology, the first imaging device ismanufactured.

In the second manufacturing device according to an aspect of the presenttechnology, when the substrate on which the image sensor is mounted, theframe to which the infrared cut filter (IRCF) is fixed, and the unitincluding the lens are bonded together: the first member for bonding theframe is applied onto the substrate; the frame is bonded to thesubstrate using the first member applied onto the substrate; afterthermally expanded air is discharged through the vent having apredetermined shape and provided in the frame, the second member isapplied to a portion including the vent; and the frame and the unit arebonded together such that the portion to which the second member hasbeen applied and a part of the unit are bonded together.

Effects of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present technology, a vent can be blockedwithout an increase in the number of manufacturing steps for an imagingdevice.

Note that the effects described herein are not necessarily limited, andany of effects described in the present disclosure may be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a step in manufacturing steps for theimaging device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of an imaging devicefor which a small number of manufacturing steps are used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of an imaging devicefor which a small number of manufacturing steps are used.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of an imaging devicefor which a small number of manufacturing steps are used.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of the imaging devicefor which a small number of manufacturing steps are used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a position at which a vent isprovided.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a shape of the vent.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration in which a lightshielding wail is provided.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a shape of a leg.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a shape of the leg.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a shape of the leg.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a shape of the leg.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a shape of the leg.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing steps for theimaging device.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of an electronicapparatus.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present technology (hereinafterreferred to as an “embodiment”) will be described. Note that thedescription will be provided in the following order:

1. Configuration of Imaging Device

2. Configuration of First Imaging Device for Which Reduced Number ofSteps Are Used

3. Configuration of Second Imaging Device for Which Reduced Number ofSteps Are Used

4. Configuration of Third imaging Device for Which Reduced Number ofSteps Are Used

5. Regarding Position at Which Vent Is Provided

6. Regarding Shape of Vent

7. Regarding Configuration in Which Light Shielding Wall Is Provided

8. Regarding Shape of Leg

9. Regarding Manufacture

10. Electronic Apparatus

<Configuration of Imaging Device>

The present technology can be applied to a camera module including animage sensor and configured to perform a focus adjustment or a cameramodule that does not perform the focus adjustment. In addition, thecamera module to which the present technology is applied ischaracterized in that steps for manufacture can be reduced as comparedwith a conventional camera module. In order to clearly explain that thesteps for the manufacture can be reduced as compared with theconventional camera module, the conventional camera module (imagingdevice) will be described first.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a configuration of theimaging device. The imaging device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes anupper part 11 and a lower part 12. Hereinafter, the description will beprovided on the assumption that the upper part 11 and the lower part 12constitute the imaging device 10 for convenience of the description.

The upper part 11 includes an actuator 21, a lens barrel 22, and a lens23. The lower part 12 includes a substrate 31, an image sensor 32, aninfrared cut filter (IRCF) 33, and a frame 34.

Three lenses, i.e., a lens 23-1, a lens 23-2, and a lens 23-3, areincorporated inside the lens barrel 22, and the lens barrel 22 isconfigured to hold these lenses 23-1 to 23-3. The lens barrel 22 iscontained in the actuator 21, and the actuator 21 is attached onto anupper part of the lower part 12. Note that the description will becontinued using the example in which the three lenses are incorporatedin the lens barrel 22. However, a different number of lenses, e.g.,three or more lenses, may be incorporated.

For example, an outer side surface of the lens barrel 22 is providedwith a screw (not illustrated), and a portion of the inside of theactuator 21 is provided with a screw (not illustrated) at a positionthat is screwed with the screw of the lens barrel 22. The screw of thelens barrel 22 and the screw on the inside of the actuator 21 areconfigured to be screwed with each other.

In a case where the lens barrel 22 is configured to be movable in anup-down direction in the drawing to make a configuration for enablingauto-focus (AF), a coil is provided, for example, on the side surface ofthe lens barrel 22 (lens holder to which the lens barrel 22 isattached). In addition, a magnet is provided inside the actuator 21 at aposition facing the coil. The magnet is provided with a yoke. The coil,the magnet, and the yoke constitute a voice coil motor.

When a current flows in the coil, force is generated in the up-downdirection in the drawing. The generated force causes the lens barrel 22to move in an upward direction or a downward direction. Due to themovement of the lens barrel 22, a distance between the lenses 23-1 to23-3 held by the lens barrel. 22 and the image sensor 32 is changed.Owing to such a mechanism, the auto-focus can be realized.

Note that, in the following description, the description will becontinued on the assumption that the actuator 21 is included in theupper part 11. However, a configuration that does not include theactuator 21 can also be employed. The upper part 11 is a portion that isreferred to as a lens unit or the like. In the following description,the upper part 11 is illustrated by a quadrilateral, and theillustration of the lens 23 or the like is appropriately omitted.

The image sensor 32 is provided in a central part of the lower part 12.The image sensor 32 is attached onto the substrate 34, and coupled tothe substrate 34 by wiring (not illustrated). Onto a surface of thesubstrate 31 on which the image sensor 32 is provided, the frame 34attached. The frame 34 has a function of holding the IRCF 33. Inaddition, on a side of the frame 34 opposite to a side that is incontact with the substrate 31, the upper part 11 is provided,

In order to prevent a foreign substance such as dust from entering aspace 35 surrounded by the substrate 31, the IRCF 33, and the frame 34,the substrate 31, the IRCF 33, and the frame 34 adhere to one another sothat no gap exists therebetween. The space 35 becomes a substantiallyclosed space by means of the substrate 31, the IRCF 33, and the frame3-1.

Consequently, the space 35 is configured to prevent a foreign substancefrom being introduced thereinto. The IRCF 33 functions as a filter thatcuts infrared, and is also used for sealing the image sensor 32 in thespace 35.

When the imaging device 10 is manufactured, the frame 34 is bonded ontothe substrate 31 using an adhesive 41-1 and an adhesive 41-2. A portionof the frame 34 that is in contact with the substrate 31 has apredetermined shape, e.g., a continuous shape such as a quadrilateral,and the adhesive 41 is applied to the continuous portion. Therefore, asillustrated in FIG. 1, although the adhesive 41-1 and the adhesive 41-2are represented as different, and separate adhesives in thecross-sectional diagram, the adhesive 41-1 and the adhesive 41-2 areformed so as to form a single annular adhesive layer, and continuouslyapplied to the portion of the frame 34 that is in contact with thesubstrate 31.

In a similar manner, the frame 34 and the upper part 11 are bondedtogether using an adhesive 42-1 and an adhesive 42-2.

The IRCF 33 is bonded to the frame 34 using an adhesive 43 and anadhesive 44. The adhesive 43 and the adhesive 44 are adhesives that areapplied separately at different timings.

The adhesive 44 is applied at the time of the manufacture to block avent 51 for releasing thermally expanded air to the outside, and to bondthe IRCF 33 to the frame 34.

A configuration of the imaging device 10 during the manufacture isillustrated in FIG. 2. The imaging device 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 is ina process of manufacturing the lower part 12, and the lower part 12 towhich the upper part 11 is not bonded is illustrated. The IRCF 33 isbonded to the frame 34 using the adhesive 43, a part of which isprovided with the vent 51.

When the substrate 31 and the frame 34 are bonded together using theadhesive 41-1 and the adhesive 41-2, air in the space 35 is thermallyexpanded. The vent 51 is provided in order to release the thermallyexpanded air. As illustrated by arrows in FIG. 2, through the vent 51,the thermally expanded air in the space 35 is discharged through thevent 51 at the outside of the space 35.

After the substrate 31 and the frame 34 are bonded together, and thethermally expanded air is discharged from the space 35, the vent 51 isblocked by the adhesive 44. If the vent 51 is kept open, a foreignsubstance such as dust is likely to enter the space 35 and stick to theimage sensor 32. In other words, if the vent 51 is kept open, generationof a black spot defect might be caused.

Therefore, the vent 51 is blocked after the substrate 31 and the frame34 are bonded together. Consequently, the image sensor 32 is sealed bythe substrate 31, the IRCF 33, and the frame 34, and the substantiallyclosed space 35 can be produced.

After the vent 51 is blocked, the upper part 11 is bonded to the lowerpart 12 using the adhesive 42-1 and the adhesive 42-2.

As described above, although the vent 51 needs to be provided, the stepof blocking the vent 51 is required since the vent 51 is provided, andthe step of bonding the upper part 11 to the lower part 12 needs to beperformed after the step of blocking the vent 51.

<Configuration of First Imaging Device for which Reduced Number of Stepsare Used>

Next, an imaging device for which a small number of steps are used inthe manufacture of the imaging device will be described. A of FIG. 3 andB of FIG. 3 are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a firstembodiment of the imaging device for which a small number of steps areused. A of FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of theimaging device 100 after the manufacture, and B of FIG. 3 is a diagramillustrating a state of the imaging device 100 during the manufacture.

The imaging device 100 illustrated in A of FIG. 3 includes an upper part111 and a lower part 112. In FIG. 3 as well, the description will beprovided on the assumption that the upper part 111 and the lower part112 constitute the imaging device 100 for convenience of thedescription.

The upper part 111 can be configured in a manner similar to that of theupper part 11 illustrated in FIG. 1. Specifically, the upper part 111can be configured to include the actuator, the lens barrel, and thelens. In the following description, the description of the upper part111 is omitted on the assumption that the upper part 111 has the sameconfiguration as the upper part 11. In addition, the present technologyto be described later can be applied to the imaging device configured insuch a manner that a unit including the lens is regarded as the upperpart 111, and the upper part 111 is bonded to the lower part 112.

An image sensor 132 is provided in a central part of the lower part 112.The image sensor 132 is attached onto a substrate 131, and coupled tothe substrate 131 by wiring (not illustrated). Onto a surface of thesubstrate 131 on which the image sensor 132 is provided, a frame 134 isattached. The frame 134 has a function of holding an IRCF 133. Inaddition, on a side of the frame 134 opposite to a side that is incontact with the substrate 131, the upper part 111 is provided.

In order to prevent a foreign substance such as dust from entering aspace 135 surrounded by the substrate 131, the IRCF 133, and the frame134, the substrate 131, the IRCF 133, and the frame 134 adhere to oneanother so that no gap exists therebetween. The space 135 becomes asubstantially closed space by means of the substrate 131, the IRCF 133,and the frame 134.

The imaging device 100 having the space 135 that is the substantiallyclosed space as illustrated in A of FIG. 3 is provided with a vent forreleasing thermally expanded air during the manufacture. Theconfiguration of the imaging device 100 during the manufacture isillustrated in B of FIG. 3.

The IRCF 133 is bonded to the frame 134. In the same way as the imagingdevice 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame 134 and the IRCF 133are bonded together using a bonding material such as an adhesive.

A part of the portion at which the frame 134 and the IRCF 133 are bondedtogether is provided with a vent 151 connected to the space 135. Thevent 151 can be configured using a gap between the frame 134 and theIRCF 133.

Since the vent 151 is provided, when the substrate 131 and the frame 134are bonded together using an adhesive 141-1 and an adhesive 141-2,thermally expanded air in the space 135 can be discharged to the outsideof the space 135. In a case where a thermosetting resin is used as theadhesive 141, air in the space 135 is thermally expanded when thethermosetting resin is cured. Therefore, the vent 151 is required fordischarging the thermally expanded air.

Note that the adhesive 141 is also annularly applied onto the frame 134in the same way as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and eachof the adhesive 141-1 and the adhesive 141-2 is an adhesive constitutinga portion of an annularly-formed adhesive layer.

After the substrate 131 and the frame 134 are bonded together, and thethermally expanded air is discharged from the space 135 to some extent,the upper part 111 is bonded to the lower part 112 using the adhesive141-1 and the adhesive 141-2.

In the imaging device 100 illustrated in FIG. 3, the vent 151 is blockedby the adhesive 141-2 that is applied when the upper part 111 is bondedto the lower part 112. In this manner, in order to make sure that thevent 151 is blocked when the upper part 111 is bonded to the lower part112, the IRCF 133 is configured to be longer (larger) than the IRCF 33illustrated in FIG. 2.

The IRCF 133 illustrated in B of FIG. 3 is formed to be relatively largeso that a large portion of the IRCF 133 overlaps the frame 134 on a sideprovided with the vent 151. Only a portion of the IRCF 133 that islocated above the vent 151 may be configured to be larger than the otherportion (shape having a projecting part when viewed from above), or theentire IRCF 133 may have a large shape. For example, in a case where theIRCF 33 illustrated in FIG. 2 has a square shape when viewed from above,the IRCF 133 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be configured to have arectangular shape so that a large portion of the IRCF 133 overlaps theframe 134.

As described above, since the IRCF 133 is configured to be larger thanthe conventional IRCF 33, the vent 151 can be blocked by the adhesive142-2 that is applied when the upper part 111 is bonded to the lowerpart 112.

As illustrated in A of FIG. 3, even when the adhesive 142-2 (B of FIG.3) is applied at the same position as the adhesive 42-2 in FIG. 1 by thesame amount (size), since the IRCF 133 is configured to be large, theIRCF 133 is located so as to reach the position for the application.Therefore, the adhesive 142-2 can be applied at least to a distal endportion of the IRCF 133. As a result, the vent 151 is blocked by theadhesive 142-2.

As described above, the IRCF 133 is configured to be large, whereby thevent 151 can be blocked in the step of bonding the upper part 111 to thelower part 112. In other words, the step for blocking the vent 151 canbe omitted.

<Configuration of Second Imaging Device for which Reduced Number ofSteps are Used>

Next, another configuration of an imaging device for which a smallnumber of steps are used in the manufacture of the imaging device willbe described. A of FIG. 4 and B of FIG. 4 are diagrams illustrating aconfiguration of a second embodiment of the imaging device for which asmall number of steps are used. A of FIG. 4 is a diagram illustratingthe configuration of the imaging device 200 after the manufacture, and Bof FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state of the imaging device 200during the manufacture.

Since the imaging device 200 illustrated in FIG. 4 has the same basicconfiguration as the imaging device 100 illustrated in FIG. 3, a similarportion is denoted by a similar reference sign, and the descriptionthereof is omitted.

As compared with the imaging device 100 illustrated in A of FIG. 3, theimaging device 200 illustrated in A of FIG. 4 is different in size of anIRCF and size (application amount) of an adhesive that blocks a vent.

An IRCF 201 of the imaging device 200 illustrated in A of FIG. 4 isconfigured to be smaller than the IRCF 133 of the imaging device 100illustrated in A of FIG. 3. For example, the IRCF 201 can have the samesize as the IRCF 33 of the imaging device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. Inother words, since the conventional IRCF 33 can be used as the IRCF 201in the imaging device 200, an IRCF having a new size does not need to bemanufactured.

An adhesive 203-2 for the imaging device 200 illustrated in A of FIG. 4is configured to be larger than the adhesive 142-2 for the imagingdevice 100 illustrated in A of FIG. 3 and the adhesive 42-2 for theimaging device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. The adhesive 203-2 isconfigured to have such a size and application amount as to cover a partof the IRCF 201.

As illustrated in B of FIG. 4, in the process of manufacturing theimaging device 200, when the frame 134 is bonded to the substrate 131, avent 202 for releasing thermally expanded air in the space 135 to theoutside of the space 135 is provided. The vent 202 is blocked by theadhesive 203-2 that is applied when the upper part 111 is bonded to thelower part 112.

In this manner, in order to make sure that the vent 202 is blocked bythe adhesive 203-2 when the upper part 111 is bonded to the lower part112, for example, the application amount of the adhesive 203-2 at aportion where the vent 202 is located is more than the applicationamount at the other portion. Alternatively, a region for the applicationis expanded to reach the portion where the vent 202 is located ascompared with the other portion.

In this manner, the application amount is increased, or a track for theapplication is extended, whereby the adhesive 203-2 is configured to belarge. Consequently, the vent 202 can be blocked by the adhesive 203-2when the upper part 111 is bonded to the lower part 112.

As described above, the adhesive 203 at the portion where the vent 202is located is configured to be larger than that at the other portion,whereby the vent 202 can be blocked in the step of bonding the upperpart 111 to the lower part 112. In other words, the step for blockingthe vent 202 can be omitted.

<Configuration of Third Imaging Device for which. Reduced Number ofSteps are Used>

Next, another configuration of an imaging device for which a smallnumber of steps are used in the manufacture of the imaging device willbe described. A of FIG. 5 and B of FIG. 5 are diagrams illustrating aconfiguration of a third embodiment of the imaging device for which asmall number of steps are used. A of FIG. 5 is a diagram illustratingthe configuration of the imaging device 300 after the manufacture, and Bof FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state of the imaging device 300during the manufacture.

Since a portion of the imaging device 300 illustrated in FIG. 5 has thesame configuration as that of the imaging device 100 illustrated in FIG.3 and that of the imaging device 200 illustrated in FIG. 4, a similarportion is denoted by a similar reference sign, and the descriptionthereof is omitted.

A position of a vent of the imaging device 300 illustrated in FIG. 5 isdifferent from that of the imaging device 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 andthat of the imaging device 200 illustrated in FIG. 4. Referring to A ofFIG. 5, an IRCF 301 of the imaging device 300 can have the same size as,for example, the IRCF 33 of the imaging device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1in the same way as the IRCF 201 of the imaging device 200 illustrated inFIG. 4. In other words, since the conventional IRCF 33 can be used asthe IRCF 301 in the imaging device 300, an IRCF having a new size doesnot need to be manufactured.

In addition, in the imaging device 300 illustrated in FIG. 5, anadhesive 303-2 for bonding the upper part 111 and the lower part 112together can have a size equivalent to that of the adhesive 42-2 forbonding the upper part 11 and the lower part 12 together in the imagingdevice 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. In the imaging device 300 illustratedin FIG. 5, the vent is configured to be capable of being blocked evenwithout the increase in the application amount of the adhesive 303 orthe expansion of the application region.

As illustrated in B of FIG. 5, the vent 302 of the imaging device 300 isprovided in a portion of the frame 134 so as to be connected to thespace 135 in a vertical direction (longitudinal direction) with respectto a surface of the frame 134 to which the adhesive 303 is applied. Aposition at which the vent 302 is provided is a portion to which theadhesive 303-2 is applied. In other words, assuming that when the upperpart 111 is bonded to the lower part 112, the adhesive 303 is applied atthe same position and by the same amount as in the portion to which theadhesive 42 for the imaging device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is applied,the vent 302 is provided in a portion of a region for the application.

As illustrated in B of FIG. 5, in the process of manufacturing theimaging device 300, when the frame 134 is bonded to the substrate 131,the vent 302 for releasing thermally expanded air in the space 135 tothe outside of the space 135 is provided. The vent 302 as blocked by theadhesive 303-2 that is applied when the upper part 111 is bonded to thelower part 112. Note that although the description is provided using theadhesive 303 as an example, any member that bonds the upper part 111 andthe lower part 112 together may be employed.

As described above, the vent 302 is provided in the frame 134 in thelongitudinal direction and provided at a position that is blocked by theadhesive 303-2 when the upper part 111 bonded to the lower part 112,whereby the vent 302 can be blocked in the step of bonding the upperpart 111 to the lower part 112. In other words, the step for blockingthe vent 302 can be omitted.

In the following description, the description will be continued usingthe imaging device 300 provided with the vent 302 as an example.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the imagingdevice 300. In the imaging device 300, the upper part 111 is providedwith a leg 351. As used herein, the leg is a portion having a projectingshape and provided at a portion of the upper part 111 that is bonded tothe lower part 112.

The leg 351 is, for example, a projecting part having a triangularcross-section as illustrated in FIG. 6. The leg enters the adhesive 303,whereby the upper part 111 and the lower part 112 are bonded together.The vent 302 is provided in the frame 134 so that the vent 302 ispositioned right under the leg 351.

As compared with the imaging device 300 illustrated in A of FIG. 5 inwhich the upper part 111 and the lower part 112 are bonded together inthe absence of the leg 351, the imaging device 300 illustrated in FIG. 6in which the upper part 111 and the lower part 112 are bonded togetherin the presence of the leg 351 can increase an area that is bonded tothe adhesive 303, whereby the upper part 111 and the lower part 112 canbe bonded together more strongly.

In the imaging device 300 illustrated in FIG. 6, a light shielding wall361 is provided on a side of the frame 134 close to the upper part 111.Since the light shielding wall 361 provided, the image sensor 132 can beshielded from a stray light component that enters the image sensor 132.Therefore, image quality can be improved. In addition, since the lightshielding wall 361 is provided, the adhesive 303 can be prevented fromleaking out to a side close to the IRCF 301.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the present technology can also be applied tothe imaging device 300 including the leg 351 and the light shieldingwall 361. In the following description, using the imaging device 300illustrated in FIG. 6 as an example, shapes of the vent 302 and the leg351 and how to apply the adhesive 303 or the like will be described.

<Regarding Position at which Vent is Provided>

A of FIG. 7 is a diagram of the imaging device 300 viewed from above. Asillustrated in A of FIG. 7, the adhesive 303 is applied onto the frame134 so as to surround the image sensor 132. The leg 351 provided on theupper part 111 is bonded to the portion subjected to the application ofthe adhesive 303.

As illustrated in A of FIG. 7, the adhesive 303 is continuously appliedwithout any break. The leg 351 provided on the upper part 111 isconfigured to have a predetermined shape such as a triangle when viewedin the cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 6, but provided in acontinuous annular shape when viewed from above.

As illustrated in A of FIG. 7, although the adhesive 303 may be shapedinto a circle or the like, since the image sensor 132 has aquadrilateral shape, the adhesive 303 is formed in a substantiallyquadrilateral shape so as to surround the image sensor 132. There arecorners in the adhesive 303 formed in the quadrilateral shape. Theamount of the adhesive at the corner portion tends to be larger thanthat at a side portion.

A diagram in which the portion having a large amount of the adhesive 303is denoted by a circle is illustrated in B of FIG. 7. On the frame 134,the vent 302 is provided at a portion corresponding to the portiondenoted by the circle. When the vent 302 is provided at the portionhaving a large amount of the adhesive 303, the vent 302 can be reliablyblocked by the adhesive 303.

Therefore, the vent 302 can be configured to be provided at the cornerportion having a large application amount of the adhesive 303. Inaddition, a plurality of the vents 302 can be provided. It is alsopossible to employ a structure in which a plurality of portions isselected from among the plurality of portions denoted by the circles inB of FIG. 7, and the vents 302 are provided in the frame 134. Needlessto say, it is possible to employ a structure in which only the singlevent 302 is provided. Alternatively, the vent 302 can be provided at astraight portion that is not at the corner.

<Regarding Shape of Vent>

The shape of the vent 302 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

A vent 302′ illustrated in A of FIG. 8 has a shape tapered in the upwarddirection and the downward direction. The vent 302′ is formed so that acentral portion is narrow and an upper side (side close to the upperpart 111) and a lower side (side close to the image sensor 132) arewide. The vent 302′ is shaped like combined two cones.

Since the vent 302′ is tapered, a mold can be prevented from beingunable to be pulled out when the vent 302′ is formed. When the vent 302′illustrated in A of FIG. 8 is formed, a mold (pin-shaped metal part) isinserted from the lower side, whereby the lower side below the center ofthe vent 302′ is formed. A mold is inserted from the upper side, wherebythe upper side above the center of the vent 302′ is formed. During thisformation, the mold can be prevented from being unable to be pulled outsince the shape of the vent 302′ is tapered.

B of FIG. 8 a diagram illustrating another shape of the vent 302. A vent302″ illustrated in B of FIG. 8 also has a tapered shape. The vent 302″is formed so that an upper side (side close to the upper part 111) iswide and a lower side (side close to the image sensor 132) is narrow.When the vent 302″ illustrated in B of FIG. 8 is formed, a mold(pin-shaped metal part) is inserted from the upper side, whereby thevent 302″ is formed.

C of FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another shape of the vent 30. Avent 302′″ illustrated in B of FIG. 8 also has a tapered shape. The vent302′″ is formed so that an upper side (side close to the upper part 111)is narrow and a lower side (side close to the image sensor 132) is wide.When the vent 302′″ illustrated in C of FIG. 8 is formed, a mold(pin-shaped metal part) is inserted from the lower side, whereby thevent 302′″ is formed.

In this manner, since the vent 302 is tapered, the mold can be preventedfrom being unable to be pulled out at the time of the manufacture asdescribed above. Note that a structure without the taper can be employedin a case where the mold can be pulled out without any problem.

In addition, in a case where a side of the vent 302 on which theadhesive 303 is applied is formed to have a wide bore, the adhesive 303readily enters the vent 302 when the vent 302 is blocked by the adhesive303 (FIG. 6). Moreover, in a case where a side opposite to the side ofthe vent 302 on which the adhesive 303 is applied is formed to have anarrow bore, the adhesive 303 can be prevented from falling onto thesubstrate 131 when the vent 302 is blocked by the adhesive 303 (FIG. 6).

In other words, the vent 302 can be tapered to be formed in such a shapeas to enable the vent 302 to be readily filled with the adhesive 303 andto hardly leak the adhesive 303 when the vent 302 is blocked by theadhesive 303.

The vent 302 configured in this manner can be a circle having a size of,for example, 0.2 mm or less. If the diameter of the vent 302 is large,the vent 302 is not likely to be fully blocked by the adhesive 303. Onthe other hand, if the diameter of the vent 302 is small, it isdifficult to discharge thermally expanded air, and an influence of thethermally expanded air is likely to be exerted. In this regard, the sizeof the vent 302 and the number of vents 302 are decided in accordancewith, for example, the strength of the mold that is used for forming thevent 302.

For example, as described above, the vent 302 can be a circle of 0.2 mmor less, or a circle of 0.1 to 0.2 mm. In a case where the vent 302 istapered, the wide side may be formed to have a diameter of 0.2 mm, andthe narrow side may be formed to have a diameter of 0.1 mm,

<Regarding Configuration in which Light Shielding Wall is Provided>

Next, a case in which the light shielding wall is provided on the frame134 will be described. A of FIG. 9 is an example of providing a lightshielding wall 401 on an upper side of the frame 134. As illustrated inA of FIG. 9, the light shielding wall 401 can be configured to beprovided on a side wall side on the surface of the frame 134 to whichthe upper part 111 is bonded.

Since the lights shielding wail 401 is provided, the image sensor 132can be shielded from light that passes through the adhesive 303 andreaches the image sensor 132, and flare can be prevented. In addition,the adhesive 303 can be prevented from leaking to the side wall side ofthe frame 134.

B of FIG. 9 is an example of providing a light shielding wall 402 on alower side of the frame 134. As illustrated in B of FIG. 9, the lightshielding wall 402 can be configured to be provided on a side providedwith the IRCF 133 (FIG. 6) on the surface of the frame 134 close to theimaging device 131 (FIG. 6).

Since the light shielding wall 402 is provided, the image sensor 132 canbe shielded from light that passes through the adhesive 303 and reachesthe image sensor 132, and flare can be prevented. In addition, theadhesive 303 can be prevented from leaking to the side of the frame 134close to the IRCF 133.

C of FIG. 9 is an example of providing the light shielding wall 401 onthe upper side of the frame 134, and providing the light shielding wall402 on the lower side. As illustrated in C of FIG. 9, the lightshielding walls may be provided on the upper and lower sides of theframe 134. In this case as well, as described with reference to A ofFIG. 9 and B of FIG. 9, since the light shielding walls 401 and 402 areprovided, the image sensor 132 can be shielded from light that passesthrough the adhesive 303 and reaches the image sensor 132, and flare canbe prevented. In addition, the adhesive 303 can be prevented fromleaking to the side wall side of the frame 134 and the side of the frame134 close to the IRCF 133.

The description has been provided so far using the case of forming thelight shielding wall on the frame 134 as an example. Alternatively, theadhesive 303 itself may be a light shielding resin. The light shieldingresin is a resin having a function as the adhesive for bonding the upperpart 111 and the lower part 112 together, and having a light shieldingfunction. For example, the light shielding resin is a black resincontaining carbon.

Even in the configuration that uses the light shielding resin as theadhesive 303, the light shielding wall 401 and the light shielding wall402 can be configured to be provided, thereby achieving theconfiguration in which the stray light component does not enter theimage sensor 132.

An ultraviolet (UV) curable resin may be used as the light shieldingresin. The ultraviolet curable resin is a resin that is polymerized andcured in a short time by ultraviolet energy radiated from an ultravioletirradiation device. Such an ultraviolet curable resin can be used as theadhesive 303.

In addition, a resin that is cured by ultraviolet rays and heat may beused as the light shielding resin As described later, an outer side ofthe adhesive 303 is temporarily cured by the ultraviolet rays, and aninner side is fully cured by the heat, whereby an air path (passageextending from the space 135 to the outside of the space 135) can beprevented from being formed in the adhesive 303.

<Regarding Shape of Leg>

The shape of the leg 351 to be employed in a case where the leg 351 isprovided on the upper part 111 will be described with reference to FIGS.10 to 14.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary shape of the leg 351. Aleg 351′ illustrated in FIG. 10 has such a shape as to come halfway intothe vent 302. In this manner, since the leg 351′ has such a shape as tocome halfway into the vent 302, the vent 302 can be readily blocked.

Note that, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the leg 351 isannularly provided, and provided to further strengthen the bond to theadhesive 303. The leg 351′ is provided in such a manner that only aportion of the leg 351 at which the vent 302 is located is longer andmore protruding than the other portion of the leg 351 so as to bepositioned halfway in the vent 302.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, comparing the leg 351 (rightside in FIG. 10) and the leg 351′ (left side in FIG. 10), the leg 351′is configured to be longer than the leg 351. Since the leg 351′ is theleg 351 located at the position where the vent 302 exists, the leg 351′is formed longer than the other leg 351. Due to this reason, the leg351′ is provided like a protrusion having a projecting shape withrespect to the leg 351.

Since the leg 351′ is shaped to be inserted halfway into the vent 302,even though, for example, the application amount of the adhesive 303 isthe same as the application amount in a place other than the vent 302,the adhesive 303 is pushed out to the vent 302 by the leg 351′ when theupper part 111 is bonded to the lower part 112, and the vent 302 can beblocked more reliably.

Instead of providing the protruding portion (leg 351′) on theannularly-provided leg 351, a projecting part may be provided on a sideclose to the vent 302. A configuration in which a projecting part 421 isprovided on a portion at the vent 302 is illustrated in FIG. 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the projecting part 421 is provided at theportion where the vent 302 is located on the surface of the frame 134close to the upper part 111. The projecting part 421 has such a shapethat a central portion is connected to the vent 302, and the centralportion has a hole.

When the adhesive 303 is applied onto this projecting part 421, and theleg 351 is pressed on the adhesive 303, the adhesive 303 is pushed outto the hole provided in the central portion of the projecting part 421,and further pushed out to the vent 302 connected to the hole.Consequently, the vent 302 can be blocked by the adhesive 303 morereliably.

As described above, the portion of the frame 14 at which the vent 302 isprovided can be configured to be formed higher than the portion at whichthe vent 302 is not provided, and the projecting part 421 can beconfigured to be provided at the position close to the leg 351.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining another shape of the leg 351. A leg351″ illustrated in FIG. 12 has a shape including a rib (bank). Asillustrated in FIG. 12, the leg 351″ at the portion where the vent 302is located is shaped in such a manner that the rib is provided on theleg 351 at the portion where the vent 302 is not located. The ribportion of the leg 351″ has such a shape as to conic into the vent 302.

The upper part 111 having the leg 351″ illustrated in FIG. 12 can beapplied to a single focus camera and a camera without optical correction(the above-mentioned lens movement correction is not performed). Inaddition, since the leg 351″ having the rib is used, when the upper part111 and the lower part 112 are bonded together in an abutting mannerwithout the optical correction (without the lens movement correction),the upper part 111 can be guided to an accurate position for the bond tothe lower part 112. Specifically, the upper part 111 is moved so thatthe rib is positioned in the vent 302, whereby the upper part 111 can beguided to the accurate position for the bond to the lower part 112.

The leg 351 described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 is based on thepremise that a central axis of the leg 351 and a central axis of thevent 301 are substantially the same. Next, the leg 351 shaped in such amanner that the central axis of the leg 351 and the central axis of thevent 301 are displaced from each other will be described with referenceto FIG. 13.

A central axis of a leg 351′″ illustrated in FIG. 13 and the centralaxis of the vent 302 are located at displaced positions. In FIG. 13, thecentral axis is represented by a dashed-dotted line. The central axis ofthe leg 351′″ is located inside the central axis of the vent 302 (on aside close to the IRCF 133).

In this manner, since the central axis of the leg 351′″ and the centralaxis of the vent 302 are displaced from each other, even if air in thespace 135 is thermally expanded after the vent 302 is blocked by theadhesive 303, and force is applied from the space 135 to the vent 302,it is possible to prevent the space 135 from being connected to theoutside of the space 135 through a hole that is made in the adhesive 303due to the force. In other words, the formation of the air path can beprevented.

In a case where the ultraviolet curable resin is used as the adhesive303, the outer side of the adhesive 303 becomes cured. In FIG. 13, acured portion of the adhesive 303 is represented by a thick line anddenoted as an adhesive 303′.

Owing to the presence of the cured adhesive 303′, even if the air pathis generated, the air path can be stopped by the cured adhesive 303′.Consequently, it is possible to prevent the space 135 from beingconnected to the outside of the space 135 by the air path.

In this manner, the central axis of the leg 351′″ and the central axisof the vent 302 may be configured to be displaced from each other. Inaddition, the ultraviolet curable resin may provide a mechanism forcuring (temporarily curing) the outer side of the adhesive 303 inadvance of the inner side.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the leg 351and the vent 302 configured in such a manner that the ultravioletcurable resin is used as the adhesive 303 and temporarily cured toprevent the generation of the air path. The vent 302 is formed in thetapered shape having the wide lower side and the narrow upper side. Inaddition, in the same way as the adhesive 303 illustrated in FIG. 13,the ultraviolet curable resin is used as the adhesive 303, and the outerside of the adhesive 303 is configured to be temporarily cured.

Owing to this configuration, even in the occurrence of a situation wherethe air path is likely to be generated since air in the space 135 isthermally expanded and the adhesive 303 is pushed up as illustrated byan arrow in FIG. 14, the air path is stopped by the temporarily curedadhesive 303′ and can be prevented from being connected to the outside.

Moreover, since the taper is formed downward, the amount of the adhesive303 on the lower side of the vent 302 is increased. Therefore, even ifthe adhesive 303 is pushed up by the thermally expanded air, the push-upforce is reduced, and the adhesive 303 can be prevented from beingfurther pushed away.

In this manner, the generation of the air path can be prevented owing tothe shape of the vent 302 and the material for the adhesive 303.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the example of blocking the vent 302by means of the adhesive 303 has been described. Alternatively, the vent302 may be blocked by the leg 351, not by the adhesive 303.

For example, in a case where the leg 351 is configured to enter the vent302 as described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, the vent 302 may beblocked by the leg 351. According to the present technology, the leg 351and the vent 302 can be formed in such a size and shape as to enable theleg 351 to block the vent 302.

In a case where the vent 302 is configured to be blocked by the leg 351,in the same way as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the vent 302 canbe blocked when the upper part 111 is bonded to the lower part 112.Therefore, the vent 302 can be blocked without an increase in the numberof steps.

According to the present technology, when the vent that is required inthe steps is blocked for the improvement in the reliability, the ventcan be filled with the resin in the latter step so that the blockingstep is not added later. Consequently, the blocking step can be reduced,and the effect of a reduction in processing costs can be expected.

<Regarding Manufacture>

Next, the manufacturing steps for the above-mentioned imaging devicewill be described with reference to FIG. 15. The description that isprovided with reference to FIG. 15 is the description of the manufactureof the imaging device 300 illustrated in FIG. 5. However, the imagingdevices including other configurations can also be manufactured insimilar steps.

In step S1, the lower part 112 is manufactured. The IRCF 301 is fixed tothe frame 134. The IRCF 301 may be fixed to the frame 134 by anadhesive, or may be fixed in such a manner that a cut is made in theframe 134, and the IRCF 301 is fixed in the cut.

In addition, the frame 134 is provided with the vent 302. The vent 302is shaped, for example, as described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 14.

The image sensor 132 is attached onto the substrate 131, and the wiringor the like is also installed. The adhesive 141 is applied onto thissubstrate 131. The adhesive 141 is annularly applied, and the frame 134is placed on this adhesive 141, whereby the substrate 131 and the frame134 are bonded together.

In step S2, thermally expanded air is discharged through the vent 302.In a case where the thermosetting resin is used as the adhesive 141, airin the space 135 is also heated when the substrate 131 and the frame 134are bonded together, and likely to be thermally expanded. The thermallyexpanded air is discharged to the outside of the frame 134 through thevent 302.

In step S3, the adhesive 303 for bonding the upper part 111 is appliedonto the frame 134. The application of the adhesive 303 means that theadhesive 303 is applied onto the vent 302 as well, and the vent 302 isblocked. In other words, the adhesive 303 is applied to a regionincluding the portion of the frame 134 at which the vent 302 isprovided. The vent 302 is blocked.

Note that the adhesive 141 that bonds the substrate 131 and the frame134 together and the adhesive 303 that bonds the frame 134 and the upperpart 111 together may be members made of different materials, or may bethe same member.

In step S4, the upper part 111 is placed on the applied adhesive 303,and bonded to the lower part 112. As described above, the upper part 111is provided with the leg 351, and the vent 302 is formed in the taperedshape. Consequently, the adhesive 303 can be pushed into the vent 302 toblock the vent 302 more reliably, and the generation of the air path canbe prevented.

The imaging device 300 is manufactured in this manner. A step only forblocking the vent 302 is not included, and the vent 302 is blocked whenthe upper part 111 is bonded to the lower part 112. Therefore, eventhough a new step only for blocking the vent 302 is not added, the vent302 can be blocked, the thermally expanded air can be discharged to theoutside, and the vent 302 can be blocked after that.

According to the present technology, when the vent that is required inthe steps is blocked for the improvement in the reliability, the ventcan be filled with the resin in the latter step so that the blockingstep is not added later. Consequently, the blocking step can be reduced,and the effect of the reduction in the processing costs can be expected.

<Electronic Apparatus>

The present technology is not limited to the application to the imagingdevice, and can be generally applied to an electronic apparatus in whichan imaging device is used for an image taking unit (photoelectricconversion unit). Examples of the electronic apparatus include animaging device such as a digital still camera and a video camera, amobile terminal device having an imaging function such as a mobilephone, and a copier in which an imaging device is used for an imagereading unit. Note that a modular form mounted on the electronicapparatus, that is, a camera module, may serve as the imaging device.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration ofthe imaging device that is an example of the electronic apparatus of thepresent disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the imaging device 1000of the present disclosure has, for example, an optical system includinga lens group 1001 or the like, an image sensor 1002, a DSP circuit 1003that is a camera signal processing unit, a frame memory 1004, a displaydevice 1005, a recording device 1006, an operation system 1007, and apower source system 1008.

Moreover, the DSP circuit 1003, the frame memory 1004, the displaydevice 1005, the recording device 1006, the operation system 1007, andthe power source system 1008 are configured to be coupled to one anothervia a bus line 1009. A CPU 1010 controls each component in the imagingdevice 1000.

The lens group 1001 obtains incident light (image light) from an object,and forms an image on an imaging surface of the image sensor 1002. Theimage sensor 1002 converts, into an electric signal on a pixel basis,the quantity of light of the incident light from which the image hasbeen formed on the imaging surface by the lens group 1001. The imagesensor 1002 then outputs the electric signal as a pixel signal. Thesolid state image sensor according to the aforementioned embodiment canbe used as the image sensor 1002.

The display device 1005 includes a panel type display device such as aliquid crystal display device and an organic electro luminescence (EL)display device. The display device 1005 displays a moving image or astill image captured by the image sensor 1002. The recording device 1006records the moving image or the still image captured by the image sensor1002 in a recording medium such as a videotape and a digital versatiledisk (DVD).

The operation system 1007 gives operation instructions about variousfunctions of the present imaging device under the control of a user. Thepower source system 1008 appropriately supplies, to supply targets,various power sources that serve as operation power sources for thesupply targets, namely, the DSP circuit 1003, the frame memory 1004, thedisplay device 1005, the recording device 1006, and the operation system1007.

The above-mentioned imaging device 1000 is applied to a video camera ora digital still camera, and a camera module for a mobile apparatus suchas a mobile phone. In addition, is the imaging device 1000, for example,the imaging device 300 according to the aforementioned embodiment can beused as the lens group 1001 and the image sensor 1002.

Note that the effects described in the present description are onlyexamples, and are not limited to these effects. Other effects may alsobe obtained.

Note that the embodiment of the present technology is not limited to theabove-mentioned embodiment, and can be variously changed in a range notdeparting from the gist of the present technology.

Note that the present technology can also be configured as follows.

(1) An imaging device including:

a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted;

a frame that fixes an infrared cut filter (IRCF); and

a unit including a lens, wherein

the image sensor is sealed by the substrate, the IRCF, and the frame,

a vent connected to a space in which the image sensor is sealed isprovided in a part of the frame, and

the vent is blocked by a member that bonds the unit and the frametogether.

(2) The imaging device according to (1), wherein

the vent is provided in the frame, in a predetermined shape, and in avertical direction with respect to a surface to which the member isapplied.

(3) The imaging device according to (1) or (2), wherein

the vent has a tapered shape.

(4) The imaging device according to any of (1) to (3), wherein

the unit has a leg that is inserted into the member, and

the vent is provided on the frame corresponding to a position rightunder the leg.

(5) The imaging device according to any of (1) to (4), wherein

the member is annularly applied onto the frame, and

the vent is provided on the frame corresponding to a bent portion or astraight portion of the member.

(6) The imaging device according to any of (1) to (5), wherein

the frame has a light shielding wall in the vicinity of a position ofthe vent.

(7) The imaging device according to any of (1) to (6), wherein

the member is a light shielding resin.

(8) The imaging device according to (4), wherein

the leg is inserted halfway into the vent.

(9) The imaging device according to any of (1) to (8), wherein

a portion of the frame at which the vent is located is configured tohave a projecting shape so as to come closer to the unit than a portionat which the vent is not located does.

(10) The imaging device according to (4), wherein

a portion of the leg that is inserted into the member at which the ventis located has a rib, and

the unit is bonded to the frame in an abutting manner such that the ribis inserted into the vent.

(11) The imaging device according to (4), wherein

a central axis of the leg and a central axis of the vent are displacedfrom each other.

(12) The imaging device according to any of (1) to (11), wherein

the member includes an ultraviolet curable resin or a resin that iscured by ultraviolet rays and heat.

(13) The imaging device according to any of (1) to (12), wherein

the vent has a diameter of 0.2 mm or less.

(14) The imaging device according to (4), wherein

the vent is blocked by the leg.

(15) An imaging device including:

a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted;

a frame that fixes an infrared cut filter (IRCF); and

a unit including a lens, wherein

the image sensor is sealed by the substrate, the IRCF, and the frame,

a vent connected to a space in which the image sensor is sealed isprovided between the frame and the IRCF, and

the vent is blocked by a member that bonds the unit and the frametogether.

(16) The imaging device according to (15), wherein

the IRCF is configured to be large in a direction toward a position ofthe vent.

(17) The imaging device according to (15), wherein

the member at a portion where the vent exists is applied more than themember at a portion where the vent does not exist.

(18) A manufacturing device that manufactures an imaging device, theimaging device including:

a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted;

a frame that fixes an infrared cut filter (IRCF); and

a unit bonded to the frame and including a lens, wherein

the image sensor is sealed by the substrate, the IRCF, and the frame,

a vent connected to a space in which the image sensor is sealed isprovided in a part of the frame, and

the vent is blocked by a member that bonds the unit and the frametogether.

(19) A manufacturing device configured to, when a substrate on which animage sensor is mounted, a frame to which an infrared cut filter (IRCF)is fixed, and a unit including a lens are bonded together:

apply, onto the substrate, a first member for bonding the frame;

bond the frame to the substrate using the first member applied onto thesubstrate;

after thermally expanded air is discharged through a vent having apredetermined shape and provided in the frame, apply a second member toa portion including the vent; and

bond the frame and the unit together such that the portion to which thesecond member has been applied and a part of the unit are bondedtogether in an abutting manner or spatially.

(20) A manufacturing method including the steps of, when a substrate onwhich an image sensor is mounted, a frame to which an infrared cutfilter (IRCF) is fixed, and a unit including a lens are bonded together:

applying, onto the substrate, a first member for bonding the frame;

bonding the frame to the substrate using the first member applied ontothe substrate;

after thermally expanded air is discharged through a vent having apredetermined shape and provided in the frame, applying a second memberto a portion including the vent; and

bonding the frame and the unit together such that the portion to whichthe second member has been applied and a part of the unit are bondedtogether in an abutting manner or spatially.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   111 Upper part-   112 Lower part-   131 Substrate-   132 Image sensor-   134 Frame-   141 Adhesive-   300 Imaging device-   301 IRCF-   302 Vent-   303 Adhesive-   351 Leg

What is claimed is:
 1. An imaging device comprising: a substrate onwhich an image sensor is mounted; a frame connected to the substrate; aunit connected to the frame, the unit holding a lens that has an opticalaxis and that receives incident light; and an infrared cut filter (IRCF)disposed between the image sensor and the lens, wherein the IRCF isconfigured to cut an infrared light component of the incident light,wherein the unit has a protrusion extending in a direction of theoptical axis, wherein the image sensor is disposed in a space formed atleast in part by the substrate, the IRCF, and the frame, wherein theframe has an opening, wherein a gap between the opening in the frame andthe protrusion of the unit is filled by an adhesive member, and whereinthe opening is filled by the adhesive member.
 2. The imaging deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is inserted halfway intothe opening.
 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein theopening has a tapered shape.
 4. The imaging device according to claim 1,wherein the adhesive member is annularly applied onto the frame.
 5. Theimaging device according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a pluralityof openings.
 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein theunit has a plurality of protrusions.
 7. The imaging device according toclaim 1, wherein a light shielding wall extended to the direction of theoptical axis is disposed between the protrusion and the IRCF.
 8. Theimaging device according to claim 7, wherein the frame has the lightshielding wall.
 9. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein theadhesive member is a light shielding resin.
 10. The imaging deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the adhesive member is an ultravioletcurable resin or a resin that is cured by ultraviolet rays and heat. 11.The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the opening has adiameter of 0.2 mm or less.
 12. The imaging device according to claim 1,wherein the IRCF is held by the frame.
 13. An imaging device comprising:a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted; a frame connected tothe substrate; a unit connected to the frame, the unit holding a lensthat has an optical axis and that receives incident light; and aninfrared cut filter (IRCF) disposed between the image sensor and thelens, wherein the IRCF is configured to cut an infrared light componentof the incident light, wherein the unit has a protrusion extending in adirection of the optical axis, wherein the image sensor is disposed in aspace formed at least in part by the substrate, the IRCF, and the framewhen the unit is connected to the frame, wherein the frame has anopening, wherein a gap between the opening in the frame and theprotrusion of the unit is filled by an adhesive member, and wherein alight shielding wall extending in the direction of the optical axis isdisposed between the protrusion and the IRCF.
 14. The imaging deviceaccording to claim 13, wherein the opening has a tapered shape.
 15. Theimaging device according to claim 13, wherein the adhesive member isannularly applied onto the frame.
 16. The imaging device according toclaim 13, wherein the unit has a plurality of protrusions.
 17. Theimaging device according to claim 13, wherein the frame has the lightshielding wall.
 18. The imaging device according to claim 13, whereinthe adhesive member is an ultraviolet curable resin or a resin that iscured by ultraviolet rays and heat.
 19. The imaging device according toclaim 13, wherein the IRCF is held by the frame.
 20. A manufacturingmethod comprising: disposing an image sensor on a substrate, connectinga frame to the substrate; connecting a lens to a unit, the lens havingan optical axis and receiving incident light; disposing an infrared cutfilter (IRCF) between the image sensor and the lens, wherein the IRCF isconfigured to cut an infrared light component of the incident light,wherein the unit has a protrusion extending in a direction of theoptical axis, wherein the image sensor is in a space formed by thesubstrate, the IRCF, and the frame, and wherein the frame has an openingbefore the unit is connected to the frame; inserting the protrusion intothe opening; filling the opening using an adhesive member and theprotrusion; and filling a gap between the frame and the unit using theadhesive member.